Styles and Identities in the Central Andes: The Early Intermediate Period and Middle Horizon

Archaeological research on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiwanaku reveals that the Early Intermediate Period (EIP) and Middle Horizon (MH) in the Central Andes witnessed significant cultural evolution, marked by the emergence of state governance, urbanization, and distinctive stylistic expressions. Unlike other civilizations, Andean cultures developed complex societies without a writing system, showcasing unique variations in identity and ethnicity through creative styles and mortuary practices. The study highlights that during the EIP, multiethnic communities coexisted with pronounced regional expressions of inequality and status. In the MH, two major cities, Huari and Tiahuanaco, independently promoted distinct material cultures but unified under a new religious doctrine, coordinating geopolitical expansion despite their differences. This research sheds light on the dynamic interplay between cultural identity, political organization, and religious imagery in Andean prehistory.

Isbell, W. H. Styles and Identities in the Central Andes: The Early Intermediate Period and Middle Horizon. The Cambridge World Prehistory 3 Volume Set, 1098–1141. https://doi.org/10.1017/cho9781139017831.073